Welcome to AdaptAmericas, a forum for the exchange of ideas, models and knowledge on climate adaptation for smaller enterprises and their local communities. By climate adaptation, we mean practical actions taken to protect private and public assets and local communities from the destructive impacts of climate change. Climate change is a serious threat to enterprises, but for those with the right business models and know-how, climate adaptation is a market opportunity.

This blog will share practical models and tools for improving climate resilience and identifying opportunities presented by climate adaptation, especially for micro, small and medium sized enterprises in Latin America and the Caribbean and other developing regions.

On Sunday, I headed to the Forte de Copacabana for an event hosted by the World Resources Institute (WRI) about the “green economy.” I heard their temporary installations were grand, but somehow all I saw was the inside of a windowless makeshift conference room. Thankfully, the event was very interesting. It was split into three sessions: the value of sustainability and unlocking next practices, green jobs and investments, and advances in the greenhouse gas protocols for businesses. I thought the first panel was the most relevant to the MIF’s work. Here are some things that stuck with me and that I thought I would share.

When I arrived in Rio for the UN meetings on sustainability the enthusiasm was about a flight scheduled for Tuesday, in which a new cane-derived jet fuel was going to be used in a flight from Campinas to Rio. All thanks to an innovative company called Amyris.